Bamboula “A Tomb of the Early Classical Period” Benson (photos)

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collapsed at the time of being cut into. When the fallen debris had been cleared there were found to be three distinct burial groups. Skeleton VI, stretched along the east wall, is the earliest (see Fig.3). No.30 (not on plan) was found under a skull fragment associated with this skeleton. Part of Skeleton VI lies under Skeleton V; another part lies under stones placed in and near a pit, about 35 centimeters deep, in the center of the floor. This pit belongs to Skeleton V, which is stretched out along the north wall (see Fig.4) and represents the second burial. It is with this burial that the pots in the pit are associated. Placed in the pit and near Skeleton V were Nos.16-26, 29 and probably 31. A certain amount of chavara fill went up over the pots in the pit. On top of this chavara were some of the bones belonging to Skeleton I - Skeleton I - and presumably Skeletons II-IV also, for they surely represent a multiple burial - is therefore subsequent to the pots in the pit (see Fig.5). It appears that Skeleton I was placed partially over the pit. The gifts for this burial were placed along the west wall, seemingly across the dromos. Nos.1-6 were not in situ; they may have been farther to the north along the wall, in which case the gifts would have been on either side of the dromos, perhaps a more usual arrangement. Associated with the latest burial are Nos.1-15 and 28. Fig.6 shows the tomb cleared,with the pit in the center.

Nos.1-6 and 31 were not in situ. "Figure 7 handle" is used to describe handles with approximately the shape of a seven.

1. (P 1733) Plain White V or VI storage jar. Plate 000. Complete except for several small holes; mended from many fragments. Low ring rim; … continues